When should I arrive and depart?Please talk to your supervisor to confirm the exact dates before your travel. Top of page

Will I be picked up at the Poyakonda rail station?Better arrange to travel in the company of the people who know where WSBS is. Most of the cases, you will have to walk to the pier, where a ship will take you to the station. Top of page

Where is the first place I need to go once on the WSBS campus?Please go to the reception desk.

How can I get around in WSBS?Forget about it. The WSBS campus is 17 km away from the Poyakonda railroad station, the only mean of transportation being motor boats and ships. And, you can walk around the campus. Top of page

Do I need to bring linen or towels?One set of linen and towels is provided by WSBS. You may prefer to bring an extra set of towels. Top of page

Can I bring my laptop?Yes. If you want to connect to the WSBS network while here, please discuss hardware and software requirements with your supervisor.Top of page

Who can my family contact in an emergency?During office hours, the Reception Desk (Tel: +7 (815) 33-64-516). Outside office hours, they can email you, or WSBS at info@wsbs-msu.ru, or atzetlin@mail.ru, indicating the emergency in the message subject. Top of page

Will I have telephone access?Accommodations do not have telephones. Telephones are located at the Reception Desk. WSBS has cell coverage by a national cell operator. Details are provided on arrival. Top of page

Can I dive at WSBS?Yes, if you have a PADI diving certificate level OWD or higer, and bring minimum personal equipment (scuba diving wet/dry suit, fins, mask). Please contact the head of the diving station, Elena Vortsepneva at least two months in advance of the beginning of the diving season, which usually starts in the beginning of June. SCUBA diver liability waiver (pdf, 68 KB) Top of page

Can I rent SCUBA gear in WSBS?WSBS does not provide personal equipment (suits, fins, masks). Top of page

Can I learn to dive at WSBS, or upgrade my diving skills?You cannot learn to dive at WSBS. Top of page

What is the food like? Three meals per day and afternoon tea are provided at set times. Top of page

What is the accommodation like?Accommodations vary, depending on the location. Top of page

What is the weather like?Winter temperatures can drop below -250 C. The winters are long and dark, for two weeks in December the sun does not rise. Spring and autumn are long. Summer is short: two-three months. The warmest month is July with average daytime temperaures being above 190 C, some hot days can see temperatures near 26-300 C. In June, for two weeks the sun never sets. Top of page

How warm is the sea?Remember, that the White Sea is a cold sea. Summer surface water temperature is usually about 11-130 C, occasionally reaching 180 C, while in winter it is 0.3-0.80 C. Below 10-20 m of depth, the water temperature is 2-50 C all year round. Top of page

Are there mosquitoes?Yes, during the summer season. In June and July, WSBS is proud of its abundant mosquitoes and midges. You can get by without repellent at the WSBS campus, because of the winds from the sea. If you go in the forest, be prepared. Top of page